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RESOLVED
 
Amended
Recommendation
 
That Council:
 
Consider and endorse the proposals to
introduce a premium of 100% for Long Term Empty Properties once they have
been empty for one year (currently two years) effective from
1st
April 2026 and to introduce a
premium of 100% for Second Homes effective from 1st April
2027, giving Council Taxpayers the required 12 months’ notice
of intention to introduce this premium.
 
 
Reason for Recommendations – To
encourage owners to bring properties back into use more quickly to
address housing shortages. This assists the Council meeting its
commitments in its Corporate Plan by improving the standard of new
and existing homes and ensuring housing supply meets
demand.
 
Alternative Options Considered
–
The alternative option considered
was to keep the existing long term empty premium for properties
empty for two years or more and to not introduce the second home
premium. Given the priority to increase available housing in North
Northamptonshire this would not help utilise this measure to
encourage owners to bring properties back in to use.